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Seeing Shen the Second hesitate, both Xiao Hu and Shanwa grew a bit anxious.
Shen Xiaohu had longed to go to the city, and now that there was a rare chance, he quickly said, "Grandpa, since Brother Qingzi is going to the city tomorrow, why don't I go with him? It wouldn't hurt to give it a try."
After pondering for a while, Shen the Second felt there was indeed no harm in it and nodded, "Then go for a trip and see. If you're not cut out for it, come back and hunt with me in peace."
Seeing that Shen the Second did not oppose his plan, Shen Xiaohu beamed with joy and agreed without hesitation.
On the side, Shen Xiaoshan, seeing his brother seize the opportunity, couldn't help but become anxious, opening his mouth to speak.
However, just as he opened his mouth, Shen the Second seemed to read his mind and said, "You can go next time."
Instantly, Shen Xiaoshan slumped back, replying weakly with an "Oh."
"By the way, Uncle, I wanted to ask if there's anyone else in our village apart from the Chen Family who is familiar with the county?"
Shen Qing had never been to the county and was completely clueless about the situation there.
It would be best to have someone accompany him on this trip to the county.
Without thinking, Shen the Second replied, "It's definitely Zhang Family's bookworm. He's spent quite a few years in the county, fear the Chen family members aren't even as familiar with it as he is."
Shen Qing suddenly remembered.
He almost forgot about this matter.
Zhang Shuyuan had studied in the county and even lived there for several years afterward.
It was only when he couldn't make it that he returned to the village.
In terms of familiarity with the village, it was indeed him.
"Then when I leave, I should ask him to go with me."
At this moment, Shen the Second suddenly recalled something and instructed, "Qingzi, when you go to the city tomorrow, remember to visit Linfeng Hall to see your aunt. I'll gather some mountain goods from home for you to take."
"Anything you want me to say?" Shen Qing asked casually.
Almost like his thoughts were exposed, Uncle Shen the Second, a seasoned hunter who made a living in the mountains, showed a rare moment of embarrassment. "Just ask them if Linfeng Hall's outer gate is accepting disciples. If they are, I'd like Shanwa to give it a try."
Initially, given the poor family conditions, he didn't dare to think about this.
But after acquiring six or seven taels of silver from the Chen Family, he gained some confidence.
The idea of letting Shanwa practice martial arts became active again.
Shen Qing didn't think much of it and agreed immediately, "Alright."
Afterwards, uncle and nephew casually chatted about details, and the matter of selling mountain goods was more or less settled.
However, Shen Qing didn't bring up the division of profits.
Until now, Shen Qing was entirely in the dark about the situation in the county and didn't dare to commit.
He had to take one step at a time.
He would wait until he figured out the situation in the county to say more.
This matter concerned his future plans, and he had to give it thought.
From what he knew, most martial masters in the county either ran a martial arts hall or relied on imperial grain. They all had stable sources of income.
Otherwise, with no support, constantly worrying about the daily necessities, no martial master could peacefully temper qi-blood and refine physical skills.
Even for himself, no matter how talented he was, without stable progress in martial arts, he could hardly establish a foothold in the county.
For someone like him, who came from the lower class without any backing, standing firm in the class-divided Taiping County wasn't just a matter of talking.
Taking on disciples, paying respects, buying precious medicine, currying favor, seeking cultivation techniques...
Failing in any of these could lead to unfinished success.
Shen Qing understood this well.
After discussing the main issues, Shen Qing, Uncle Shen the Second, Shen Xiaohu, and Shen Xiaoshan chatted about family matters and recent interesting stories inside and outside the village.
The atmosphere gradually became much more lively.
Moments later, Aunt Wang had already roasted a rack of lamb and brought it to the table.
The goat roasted over the fire turned golden brown on the surface, dripping with oil.
A tempting aroma wafted out, a mix of cumin and lamb fragrance.
Besides the roasted lamb ribs, Aunt Wang also stir-fried a plate of bamboo shoots and wild vegetables from the mountains.
Shen Qing knew that his aunt, who usually refrained from seasoning much, had indeed put in considerable effort and determination.
"Auntie's cooking skills are really amazing. Such delicious food, I've only had it during the New Year," Shen Qing couldn't resist belching, causing everyone to laugh.
After the meal, Shen Qing chatted at his uncle's house for a while before getting up to leave.
On the way home, Shen Fang quietly followed behind Shen Qing, becoming silent.
...
After a day's work.
That night, Shen Qing slept exceptionally well.
At the crack of dawn, he woke up early as usual, stood for stance training, and planned to boost the progress of cultivating Nine Skills.
Since achieving the level of mastery in Nine Skills, Shen Qing often felt warm all over, not fearing the harsh winter at all.
In the past, such a winter would have kept him from getting out of bed.
Shen Qing spread his legs, let his breath sink to the Dantian as described in the book.
Soon, his breathing became deep and even, his body seemingly merging with the surrounding air, as a warm current surged, flowing like a gentle stream through his meridians.
With the rhythm of his breathing, Shen Qing's chest rose and fell slightly, with qi-blood circulating within his body.
Beneath his skin, a faint red glow emerged, indicating the growth of qi-blood.
After cultivating for about half an hour, Shen Qing finally stopped.
He exhaled a mouthful of stale air, clenched his fists, and faintly sensed an increase in his physical strength.
A trace of delight appeared on Shen Qing's face.
Once the heat dissipated almost completely, he put on a cotton coat.
Upon opening the door, he saw a young man about his age standing at the door, with hands tucked in, constantly stomping his feet.
The young man Shen Qing came out and rushed over, grinning, "Brother Qingzi, last night my father went door to door, asking everyone. They all said they're fine with it, and the goods from the mountains will be handed over to you to sell."
This young man was Zhang Baqing's son—Zhang Fanglin.
Presumably tasked by Zhang Baqing, he came specially for this, standing at the door probably for some time.
"Great, thank Uncle Zhang for me. I'll pack up and then go around collecting."
"And this..." Zhang Fanglin took out several paper packets from his chest, "Brother Qingzi, these are medicines my grandpa got from the Chen Family. He said they're good for nourishing qi-blood and thought you'd find them useful, so he asked me to bring them to you."
Zhang Baqing's actions slightly surprised Shen Qing.
It was clear that relinquishing the position of mountain driver was a great favor to him.
Shen Qing did not refuse, taking them generously, "Please thank your grandpa for me."
"No problem! If that's all, I'll head back now." Zhang Fanglin gave a slight bow, tucking his hands into his sleeves, and ran off.
Looking at the medicinal herbs in his hand, a faint smile appeared on Shen Qing's lips.
He never thought there'd come a day in the village when he'd be in a position to receive such favors.
Shen Qing felt he must quickly find a reliable background in the county to progress in martial arts.
In this world, strong power is the foundation of everything!
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